Pregnancy and Herbs

Herbs and pregnant women get along just peachy. China’s population is a good proof of this. However because pregnant women are “taking herbs for two”, we should be particularly careful with anything given to women while pregnant.

Those who have a history of miscarriages or other pregnancy issues should be particularly careful not to take herbs without expert advice. That being said, those with pregnancy issues are exactly the women who can most benefit from Chinese herbal medicine.

If there is one message that this page hopes to convey, it is simply this: consult your locally licensed Chinese medicine professional before taking any of the herbs described on this page under the caution or contraindicated sections. Those listed under the beneficial list are generally okay.

These are guidelines only. We’re trying to be a little more cautious than perhaps we need to be on this page. If you’re seeing a well-regarded Chinese medicine practitioner whom you have reason to trust, all of these herbs are okay to take, but only when they’re prescribed especially for you and your particular needs as assessed by someone knowledgeable about your case and the herbs being used.

Herbs that are BENEFICIAL in pregnancy

The following herbs are used for a variety of purposes in Chinese medicine. Some stimulate fertility, others prevent miscarriages or nausea. As usual, consult your locally licensed Chinese medicine provider for insights into how these herbs may affect you and your pregnancy. [more…]

These herbs have benefits to pregnant women, but if you have a tendency toward miscarriage or other history of pregnancy issues, best to consult with your locally licensed Chinese medicine provider for some insights as to whether these herbs are appropriate for your unique situation. [more…]

Contraindicated means that if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use these herbs. There are of course exceptions, and I only offer this list for those who can’t see a licensed Chinese medicine provider in person.

Many of these herbs stimulate blood flow to “dispel stasis”. These are like blood thinners for blood clots. Unfortunately, these herbs may attempt to dispel the fetus as well since it looks a little bit like a blood clot to some of these herbs.

Other herbs in this list have a strong downward directionality. When you’re really angry and you feel like your head is about to explode, herbs with a downward directionality can get some of that pressure out of your head. However, this same downward action can induce a miscarriage in those who are prone to such things. Another reason to speak directly with a Chinese medicine provider before using any of the herbs on this list.

Keep in mind too, that for you and your unique situation, we may actually use some of these herbs in your formula and they could actually support your pregnancy. However when selling these “supplements” online, we can’t know for sure what your particular needs are and so we want to be a little cautious.